Kitchari - My Fav Dish!
Literally the one meal I rave about is Kitchari!
Kitchari means mixture It’s an age-old recipe that’s used in Indian culture, usually a staple meal given when you’re feeling a little under the weather or sick. I tend to make this at the start of the week and have the leftovers for breakfast/lunch during the week and it’s super nourishing. I was first introduced to it last year when I attended a 3-day yoga retreat at Heart and Soul in Otford.
In Ayurveda, Kitchari is like the mother of all dishes; the lentils and rice come together to make a complete protein and the veggies provide vitamins and minerals and the spices detox your body. A kitchari cleanse is common in Ayurveda to cleanse the stomach and digestive system and to help nourish, replenish, and reset your body during seasonal changes.
Please give it a try and let me know! It’s the biggest hug in a bowl and makes you feel so whole and nourished. Your body will thank you.
RECIPE
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
* 1⁄2 cup basmati rice
* 1⁄2 cup green mung beans
* 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
* 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
* 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp garam masala
* 1 tsp ground coriander
* 1 tsp ground turmeric
* 1 tsp ginger
* 1 tbsp coconut oil or oil of choice
* 2-3 cups vegetable broth or water
* 1 400ml can coconut milk or coconut cream
* Chopped vegetables of choice (zucchini, carrot, baby tomato, broccoli)
* Fresh herbs (cilantro leaves)
* Spinach leaves (optional)
* Avocado (optional)
* Papadams, naan or sourdough (optional)
Method:
Soak the mung beans for 30-60 minutes, then rinse and drain and check for stones
Combine the seeds and then combine the spices in a separate bowl (leave out turmeric)
Add oil to pot and add the seeds first until you hear them pop!
Add spices, then ginger, then mung beans and rice and simmer for 2-5 minutes then add turmeric
Add water and bring to boil then add small chopped veggies and then the coconut milk
Reduce heat to simmer and cover for 15-20 mins (add more water if required)
Add salt and pepper then add broccoli last 4 mins then turn off heat before all the water evaporates to avoid burning
Serve with cilantro, spinach leaves, avo and papadams or sourdough
Don’t forget to make and serve with love and happiness ♡